How to Get Out of Your Own Way When Writing

Gabfest Reads is a monthly series from the hosts of Slate's Political Gabfest podcast. Recently, Maggie Smith talked with John Dickerson about her new book Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life. Maggie's first love is poetry, and they discuss how to tell when your creative endeavor is complete. This partial transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity. John Dickerson: What does it feel like when you've arrived with a poem--when you think it's "done?"